Fun personalized stationery for your family

A birthday is one of the most important events to a child. Think about it, they may not know where it lies on the calendar exactly, but they can feel it in the air. The little subtleties such as, "your birthday is coming up soon ..." or "what would you like for your birthday ... who would you like to invite to the party?" Coming from Grandma or Grandpa, aunts uncles or cousins, this barrage truly sets their little wheels in motion.

I try and make it a special day and I pen a notecard to my son or daughter with a warm and encouraging message. If the birthday is not for your own child, here are a few special tips for writing a birthday note. Pull out a notecard or family stationery, preferably a fold over notecard since you're going to be writing something short and to the point.

1. Try not to write anything pretentious, such as "to my dearest ..." or "to a sweet little angel pie ..." Think about how the child will feel if it is read alound in a group.

2. Keep it short and sweet. A child wants to know how special they are and what they mean to you. Use a phrase such as "you are very special to me and I want you to know how much I love you ..." or perhaps "your Uncle Sally is very proud of you .."

3. Choose a note card that is fun and colorful. The swirls and glitter relate more to us as women coming from our husbands, not to a child. Try some of the note cards at lovelylabels.com; select a theme and then choose an image. You can order a set and use them on other occasions.

4. Try a redeemable coupon inside. If the boy likes baseball, then state that the card must be redeemed by June such and such at the Mets game with Uncle Larry. That will capture the child's attention and will make a lasting impression. (Of course its up to you to get some tickets!)

Enjoy all that a birthday celebration offers. Spending a little extra effort and time on the birthday note card will pay off and make for a fun and enjoyable impact on a child. For other ideas, visit our Idea Gallery and take a look at our thank you cards for after the party celebration. They can be customized on the front and have room inside for a special note card message.

Make it a great day!

Kim Hummert